CULTURAL HERITAGE
THE JINK MAGAZINE : REVIVE ATTITUDE
THE GBAGYI PEOPLE IN NIGERIA BY: DANIEL ADAMILO AARON
G
bagyi people also referred to as Gwari or Gbari are one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria, present in four states namely Niger, Kaduna, Plateau states and the Federal Capital Territory. Some live in Kogi state. They are interspersed with other people in In many places, particularly in FCT, Kogi and Kaduna states. They are divided into two main groups eastern and western. The eastern groups is called Gbagyi-Ngenge or Gbagyi-Matai and they are more populous. The western groups are called Gbagyi-Nkwa or Gbagyi-Yamma. The western and eastern groups speak different languages, and within them, there are subgroups and dialects. Not all Gbagyi agree on what the divisions are. The Gbagyi people are one of the ethnic groups in Nigeria that hold on tightly to their believes and traditions. They have continued to stick to their traditions, despite the rapid urbanization that has occurred on their land. the vast population of rural dwellers are getting influenced by the modern ways as Their attitude towards modern clothing and medical care is increasingly positive, however most rural Gbagyi, being farmers, They see education as a waste of Although the present generation time. are slowly drifting away from the customs but notwithstanding they still respect their customs. One of such customs of Gbagyi women is the placing of goods however heavy on their shoulder. Gbagyi women believe the head represent the king of the entire body; hence it should not be disturbed. It is quite interesting to find out that this custom is still been practiced among the Gbagyi people up till now. They call the part of their body they place their goods as Bwapa. Gbagyi women believe the load feel lighter on their shoulders than on their heads.
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